Review of the Scientific Literature on the Topic of Online Dating Services in a Demographic and Social Context

Abstract

The use of online dating services has surged dramatically in recent years. Concurrently, a substantial body of scientific literature has emerged, analyzing these services from demographic and social perspectives. This review, based on 528 English-language publications from the past 13 years, compiles a bibliographic database and employs content analysis to systematize research directions on the use of online dating services. The classification includes topics such as locations and methods of dating (both traditional and digital), the risks and drawbacks of digital dating services, user actions and interactions, dating goals, marital status, and more. This bibliographic database has helped identify the primary vectors of publication activity on the topic of online dating services over the past 13 years.